ISL 2017/18, Match 63: ATK vs Bengaluru FC, Player Ratings

Match 63 of the ISL saw struggling ATK take on league leaders Bengaluru FC at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

ATK started the game on the eight spot in the table with just 12 points from their twelve matches while Bengaluru FC were comfortably placed at the top of the table with 24 points from equal number of games.

Bengaluru consolidated their lead at the top as they beat ATK 2-0. BFC played the last 21 minutes with 10 men as Rahul Bheke was sent off for a second bookable offence but the constant ATK attacks were resisted by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the Bengaluru goal.

ATK

Robbie Keane (R) and Boithang Haokip involved in mid-pitch action

Debjit Majumder (5.5/10) - The ATK keeper was beaten early on when Jordi Figueras put the ball into his own net in the second minute. He did well between the sticks to keep out goal-bound efforts from Bengaluru attackers until Miku scored in the 83rd minute.

Ashutosh Mehta (5.5/10) - The former Mumbai City FC man was highly active on the right with his persistent runs along the flank. He put in good crosses and combined well with Bipin Singh on the wings.

Conor Thomas (6/10) - Thomas played another game in the centre-back position and looked comfortable alongside Figueras in defence. He used his physicality to good effect to keep the Bengaluru forwards in check.

Jordi Figueras (5.5/10) - The Spaniard started the match on an unfortunate note when he put the ball into his own net while trying to clear a cross from Udanta Singh. He recovered well from the early mishap as the ATK defenders did well to hold the Bengaluru strikers.

Keegan Pereira (6/10) - The ATK left-back was busy on both ends of the pitch with his movement on the flank. He made vital runs, put in good crosses but and fell back to defend whenever Bengaluru attacked.

Darren Caldeira (5.5/10) - The former Bengaluru FC man made his debut for the ATK side this season and played in the midfield. He operated behind the attackers in the centre of the park and did well to break up Bengaluru's attacking moves.

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Ryan Taylor (6/10) - The Englishman played the role of a defensive midfielder for the home side. He was on setpiece duty for ATK and put in good deliveries for the attackers.

Bipin Singh (6.5/10) - Singh played in the right wing and fared well during ATK's attacking moves. He put in good crosses into the box for the attackers and had some efforts on the goal as well.

Rupert Nongrum (5.5/10) - The midfielder played just behind the attackers and moved the ball well around the park. He had a couple of goal-scoring chances but failed to hit the target. He was replaced by Robbie Keane before the hour mark.

Jayesh Rane (7.5/10) - The former Chennaiyin FC man played on the left flank and had a good outing on the attacking front. He was unlucky as his goal-bound header evaded Gurpreet only to find the post. He kept attacking the Bengaluru goal but most of his efforts were foiled by Rahul Bheke.

Martin Paterson (7.5/10) - The Irishman was ATK's best bet upfront and he was tenacious in the box not giving the Bengaluru defenders a moment of peace.

Substitutes:

Robbie Keane (5/10) - The marquee striker made his return from injury and came on in the 53rd minute when he replaced Rupert Nongrum. He had a couple of shots on goal and even created chances for Paterson up front.

Komal Thatal (4/10) - The youngest player in the ISL made his second appearance from the bench as Ashley Westwood introduced fresh blood with the hope of getting an equaliser.

Shankar Sampingraj (4/10) - The defensive midfielder replaced Darren Caldeira for the last ten minutes after the Mumbai man had to be substituted due to a slight niggle.